Host–Biomaterial Interactions in Zebrafish

Host–biomaterial interactions
are critical determinants
of the success or failure of an implant. However, detailed understanding
of this process is limited due to a lack of dynamic tools for in vivo
analyses. Here we characterize host–biomaterial interactions
in zebrafish (Danio rerio), which are optically translucent
and genetically tractable. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses
following polypropylene suture implantation into adult zebrafish showed
prolonged elevation of immune cell recruitment and collagen deposition,
resembling a foreign body response. Live in vivo analysis showed that
adsorption of the immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin-10 to a polystyrene
microparticle, microinjected into transgenic larval zebrafish, inhibited
neutrophil recruitment after 24 h compared to control microparticles,
with no change in macrophage recruitment. This study illustrates that
zebrafish are useful to investigate host–biomaterial interactions
and have potential for high-throughput analysis of novel immunomodulatory
biomaterials.